Contributed MAKING THE CUT — As owners of Oh Brien’s Tavern, Brien and Barbie Hatch participated in a ribbon-cutting arranged for the new Follansbee eatery by the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce with members of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce also on hand.

FOLLANSBEE — For many years, area residents have been stopping into a tavern at 855 Main St. for a rest from their everyday routine, chat with friends and enjoy a cool drink and a hearty meal.

And the owners of Oh Brien’s Tavern, a new restaurant and bar at the location, want to carry on that tradition.

Brien and Barbie Hatch said they have appreciated the friendly treatment they have received since opening the business and want to create a pleasant environment for all of their customers.

In addition to an assortment of beverages, the eatery offers hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches available through the day and several appetizers.

Also on the menu are a few entrees not found in every tavern, such as chicken rosella, which are chicken tenders topped with sauteed spinach, Swiss cheese and ranch dressing; chicken Italiano, a sauteed chicken breast topped with roasted red bell peppers and mozzarella cheese on a kaiser roll; and Brien’s Favorite, which is prosciutto-topped mozzarella cheese and roasted red bell pepper drizzled with olive oil on a hoagie roll.

Having worked in the kitchens of various restaurants, Brien had always had a passion for cooking and dreamed of going into business for himself.

Barbie said she and her husband came from their native New Jersey to the Ohio Valley several years ago after learning of its affordable, comparatively relaxed lifestyle and polite, friendly people.

“People still hold doors for others here. I find that amazing and nice,” she said.

Now residing in Toronto, the Hatches brought with them several children, some of them grown.

Brien II works as a bartender at the business; while Blaze serves as disc jockey on some weekends.

Barbie, who also has worked as a bartender, said the family has been impressed by the warm response Oh Brien’s Tavern has received from the community.

“The people have been very welcoming,” said Barbie, who joined her husband in a ribbon cutting ceremony arranged by the Follansbee Chamber of Commerce and attended also by members of the Wellsburg Chamber of Commerce.

Oh Brien’s Tavern’s summer hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday, noon to 3 a.m. Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Karaoke and other theme nights are held often at the tavern and posted on its Facebook page at OH Briens Tavern.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)